Kerry Tolliver is leaving her families Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and heading to New York City to sell their trees at the stand her family owns. She'll be staying in a camper with brother and his dog and enjoying her first experience of Manhattan. After arriving she soon begins to get close with the people who live in the area their stand is located. When one of the elderly neighbors goes missing she wants to help. The one problem she faces is Patrick, a single dad who she is attracted to and distracts her by just being near. She doesn't have time for romance and she is only in New York to sell trees. Will she be able to figure out what happened to her neighbor? Will her feelings for Patrick have to be left behind or will she jump in feet first?

I love Mary Kay Andrews’ books. They always make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I feel like I’ve never gotten the same two stories with her writing. This book was a cute sweet romance but I also feel like it was one of growth. We got to see Kerry grow and understand who she is and what she wants for her life.

Hallmark movies are not my favorites, and this book just made me feel like I was watching one of those movies. Perhaps I'm a scrooge! It's a sweet story and very well written. But it was just an okay read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

This was a great read to get you planning for the holiday season! Kerry and Murphy Tolliver travel from North Carolina to New York City to sell their Fraser Fir trees. Kerry and Murphy's parents divorced when they were young; Kerry lived with mom and Murphy lived with dad. The siblings were strangers to each other so living in close confines in their old trailer was awkward. While Kerry is selling trees, she makes friends with many of the neighborhood residents from Patrick and Austin to Heinz to many of the people Murphy has befriended over the years. She connects with her brother on some levels and cobbles together a found family of her own.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Thank you, net galley, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book was so sweet and charming and a perfect Christmas read! I’ve read a couple of books by this author, and they are great for a warm and fuzzy, clean, holiday romance.
The characters was sweet and I enjoyed the story!

Last year I was lucky enough to be gifted with a copy of Mary Kay Andrews’s “The Santa Suit”. With its homespun Southern charm and endearing characters, it is safe to say that it embodied the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, after reading Andrews’s latest “”Big Lights, Big Christmas” I just was not feeling the joyfulness that was intended because I found myself being annoyed by the antics of the main characters.

Before I get into what does not work for me in this novel I’d like to focus on what I do like about it.

As I mentioned before Mary Kay Andrews is very talented when it comes to dazzling her readers with her trademark Southern charm. In the case of “Big Lights, Big Christmas “ she applies it to the setting of the story, which is Greenwich Village in New York City. As soon as Kerry and Murphy set up their Christmas tree lot in the middle of the Village it becomes a magical and wholesome place where the neighbors look out for each other. It isn’t long before the residents of the Village embrace Kerry into its arms. During her short stay, she finds romance with single father, Patrick, makes friends and lasting connections, and she even attends the neighborhood annual Christmas party.

Yes, the setting is mostly definitely a plus. It reminds me of everything that I love about Andrews’s writing style. Now I will discuss what I do not love about it.

This novel has a myriad of interesting characters and one of them happens to be our heroine’s brother Murphy Tolliver. He’s insufferable. When’s he’s not mansplaning and ordering Kerry around he’s grumbling and complaining. Talk about being the Christmas Grinch! By the end of the story he tones down and starts acting like a normal human being but by then, my viewpoint on him had already been tainted.

While Kerry is busy helping her family sell their Christmas trees she manages to make some time to make the acquaintance of single dad Patrick McCaleb. Meh. I don’t know. I guess I was getting a wholesome Christmas story romance but my expectations went up in smoke during a very disturbing scene between Kerry and Patrick that occurred inside of her camper. As I mentioned previously, Patrick is a single father to six and a half year old Austin. Because Kerry is very busy with the family Christmas tree business and since Patrick has his hands full with his son, they have little opportunity to be intimate. However, when the opportunity does present itself it happens inside the camper with Austin fast asleep in the bunker across from them. Thankfully, an exhausted Patrick falls asleep before they actually do it but the intention was there and that is what it takes for this novel to lose points in my book.

Mary Kay Andrews does her best to make sure that her novel highlights the diversity that is commonplace in a big city such New York City. That is definitely a plus. One minor character that makes an appearance is Bernie, the African American owner of Bernie’s Burgerz, which happens to be Austin’s favorite restaurant. There is also John and his husband Thomas who hold the annual neighborhood Christmas party.

As I said, I find this type of inclusivity very admirable. However, that being said there is one scene at the end of the book that does not sit well with me. Towards the ending of the story Kerry and her brother are wrapping things up in the village. They’ve sold all but a few trees and the ones they haven’t unloaded, Kerry decides to sell at a deeply discounted price. One interested potential customer is Babydoll and her grandmother, who happens to be the cashier at the bodega across the street. It is obvious that the grandmother is struggling as evidenced by how the author describes Babydoll’s appearance. She’s a beautiful child with neatly braided hair, a too tight jacket, and Mary Janes that have long ago lost most of their pink sparkle coating.

Babydoll’s grandmother inquires about the price of a small tabletop tree, which is labeled as $40.00. Noting their clothing, which has seen better days, Kerry immediately adjusts the price and quotes her $20.00. Apparently this price also proves too much because the Grandmother turns to Babydoll and tells he that they will have to pass on getting the tree. When the little girl looks away and nods sadly, Kerry takes pity on her because she can tell that she is used to being told no. She then tells them that all of the trees are marked as clearance including the tabletop tree in question. Kerry quotes them the ridiculous price of $2.00 with the decorative lights thrown in for free.

I don’t know. This scene is screaming out White Savior trope and as a black reader it makes me uncomfortable. The idea of white savior echoes imperialist and colonialist beliefs by putting white people in the role of guiding responsibility figures. White savior syndrome continues to reinforce the false beliefs that imply that people of color need strong, capable, white leaders to rescue them from their own helplessness.

While this scene depicts the generosity of Kerry’s character it definitely sheds the grandmother in a less than positive light. When reading this I only saw a poor downtrodden black woman who must rely on the charity of a young white woman because she does not possessive the wherewithal to purchase her granddaughter a Christmas tree.

“ Big Christmas, Big Lights” misses the mark in so many ways. Sadly, it does not emanate the same light as her previous Christmas novel. I give it three stars for effort but I recommend skipping this one.

Thank you to St Martins Publishing for the ARC! Bright Lights, Big Christmas was a cute Christmas romance that centered around Kerry Tollivier and her brother’s December stay in NYC to sell their family farm’s Christmas trees. While Kerry is there, she becomes a part of the community she is staying in in this heartwarming book. This book was a sweet, feel good book that is great to get into the holiday spirit. I enjoyed the characters but picked this book up for the romance aspect of the book and felt that this part of the storyline was a bit lacking. The romance between Kerry and Patrick was very slow to build up and I didn’t feel like the book portrayed a lot of chemistry between the two characters, other than the characters both generally being likable. That being said, I enjoyed the other characters storylines like Mr. Heinz and Austin.

I have loved all of MKA’s book, and this one is one of my favorites. Christmas tied in with MKA’s captivating writing will give me the best reading feelings. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

"Bright Lights, Big Christmas" is a sweet romance set in New York at Christmas that will get you into the holiday spirit. Full of memorable fun characters and beautiful scenes of winter in New York City. It is the perfect size story to read in one cozy sitting.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy for my honest review.

This was a quick read that passed the time fine. I could totally see it as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. There's a lot of characters that are likeable. There is not really anything that keeps you enthralled, and I felt like there could have been a little more character development.

The Tolliver Christmas Tree Farm's stand in Greenwich Village is a holiday fixture- has been for over 30years. But this year instead of her father who is recovering from surgery Kerry Tolliver is hitching up Spammy, an old tin can of a trailer, and heading up to NYC from the North Carolina mountains to help her brother Murphy run the stand. Along with bringing new ideas to breathe life into the business, Kerry befriends a whole cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a reclusive elderly man, a dragon-loving young boy, and his handsome single dad Patrick as well as lots of other neighbors and shopkeepers.
This was a heartwarming holiday read - MKA writes holiday charm like no other and this book oozes it ! Kerry is relatable in her anxieties after loosing a job and moving back home and the supporting cast is charming. The romance that develops between Kerry and Patrick is sweet without being saccharine, and I was keeping my fingers crossed that they would be able to find a future to their holiday romance without the book getting ahead of itself and having her move in after one date - let me just say the ending was very satisfactory. But this book held much more than a simple romance novel. Kerry had regain her trust in her abilities and she the little push she needed came from an unexpected source. Neighbors coming together for someone in need definitely added to the charm. But this book had all sorts of Christmas joy right on a NYC street corner - there was holiday music, holiday food, snow and fir garlands and wreaths. This Christmas book is sure to put you in a festive spirit!

3.5*
I say this with all all due respect, because I definitely enjoyed this story, but when did MKA books get so cheesy? Granted it's been quite awhile since I've read one, but I feel like Bright Lights, Big Christmas had a different feel from previous books I'd read of hers.
Anyway, I kind of want to be Kerry.

I really liked the small neighborhood community that the Tolliver family became a part of during the Christmas season and would love to have that for myself.

Murphy was a bit of an irritant, but he redeemed himself mostly.

The instalove between Kerry and Patrick was a little eh for me, but Austin was a cutie.

I'm happy with how everything played out in the end.

A warm and festive Christmas story with friends and community.

The main premise is Kerry Tolliver traveling with her brother Murphy to sell trees in Ney York while her dad rests at home from a surgery. Kerry gets in the spirit and meets a lot of people in the neighborhood including Patrick and his son Austin.

What I really liked about Kerry's character in this book was her creativity. She expanded just selling trees to wreaths and helping string lights on purchased trees. I loved that a main driver in this book was Kerry creating a story with Austin and using her art skills for the story book.

This trip changed Kerry's life around so much by the end, no spoilers of course.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

There’s something magical about New York City at Christmas but throw in a Christmas tree stand and it becomes even more magical. Filled with MKA’s signature humor, Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a heart warming story about family and friends and taking a chance on yourself. It’s the perfect holiday read.

I love how Mary Kay Andrews is always able to draw her readers into a story so easily! This was a delightful holiday story about family - family of birth, family of choice - and what we do to keep those bonds. I loved the various storylines and the quirky, relatable characters including Spammy. Thanks #NetGalley #StMartinsPress

3.75 stars rounded to 4.

This is a great feel good Christmas story with likable characters and just gives you the warm fuzzies. I really enjoyed Patrick and his son Austin and Mr. Heinz. I did find the chemistry between Kerry and Patrick lacking though. I think that relationship could have been built up more. Overall, if you are looking for a Christmas Hallmark movie in book form this is for you!

The Tolliver tree farm in North Carolina has a stand in New York City for a few weeks where they sell their beautifully grown Christmas trees. This year Kerry is going towing their beloved camper Spammy with her older brother Murphy and his dog Queenie. They live in the tiny camper on the corner where they sell their trees. Kerry ends up meeting and making friends with all the people on the block and in the neighborhood but Patrick has really caught her eye. The rest of the book explores the various different friendships between the characters and how they have blossomed.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you only read one Christmas book this year choose Bright Lights, Big City with Mary Kay Andrews. It has everything you could ask for with both a smal town feel in the big city: romance and heartwarming Christmas cheer.

Synopsis
Kerry Tolliver is spending the Christmas season with her brother Murphy selling Christmas trees from their North Carolina tree farm in Grenwich Village. After losing her job as a graphic designer, and having to move in with her mother, she doesn’t have much going on so her mother is able to convinces her to help her brother because her father who usually accompanies him has fallen ill.

Once they get there she sees just how friendly this westside community in NYC really is. They might be campitng out in a rusted old camper affectionately known as Spammy but the neighbors are generous with allowing access to food and other necessary accommodations. Kerry is especially fond of Patrick and his son Austin. Austin is a preoucious youngster that proves to be compassionate especially to an elderly man named Heinz, It’s not long before Kerry feels like the city is more of a home than her hometown in NC.


My thoughts:

I absolutely loved htis book!! I read The Santa Suit last year and was so excited to read another of MKA”s Christmas books. I laughed and cried throughout the book but the last 15% of the book I was crying happy tears. If this book doesn’t get you in the spirit of Christmas spirit, nothing will!

I loved this story about selling Christmas trees in NYC.
A brother and sister set off to sell the trees from their family tree farm.
They have a space in the City where they set up and bring a tiny trailer to sleep in. Mayhem follows.
This book is filled with quirky characters, wonderful, warm and delightful.

Another book by Mary Kay Andrews that I absolutely LOVED! A wonderful Christmas story involving Brother and Sister siblings who run and sell Christmas trees in Greenwich Village NYC. You know any Christmas story involving family, love, friendships, and finding yourself has got to give you all the feel goods! I've' read loads of this Authors books and this one included a small bonus related to one of her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins press and the Author, Mary Kay Andrews for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another enjoyable read written by Mary Kay Andrews. She has a knack of creating characters that are so realistic - like people you know and care about. The setting is New York City at Christmas. A sister and brother travel to the city to sell Christmas trees from their family farm. So loved the inclusion of Spammy - but very surprised to see that it was allowed for several weeks in the neighborhood. I so wanted a glimpse inside! I actually shivered alongside Kerry as I remembered how bone chilling the weather can be -especially for those who are standing outside selling Christmas trees. It has been many years since I have bought a Christmas tree and was shocked at the prices. So enjoyed the interactions between Kerry and Murphy - true sibling relationship depiction. The connection between Patrick and Kerry was instant and predictable. My favorite characters were Queenie, Austin, and Heinz. They each added another layer of “feel good happiness” to this delightful Christmas tale. The addition of the read aloud book Dragons Love Tacos, made me smile as I am looking at my own copy right now that I read multiple times each time my young grandchildren visit.
Many thanks to Mary Kay Andrews for creating characters we know and love, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasurable experience of reading an arc of this delightful read, published on September 26th.